7 minute read
2021 Wedding Trends
the ultimate celebration
2020 proved that love and marriage doesn’t quit in the face of a pandemic. If anything, brides and grooms are getting more creative than ever before, and that will certainly affect trends from fashion to floral to food as we move forward. Because of this surge in couples’ creativity, weddings in 2021 will run the spectrum from largerthan-life, escapist extravaganzas to more modest backyard affairs, all the time leaving no detail unattended to.
STYLE: MAXIMALISM TO MINIMALISM
In 2021 bridal fashion, nothing is off limits. Brides are embracing maximalism with showstopping fairytale ball gowns, dramatic silhouettes dripping with glamour, or punchy pops of color. In uncertain times, a wedding is the ultimate celebratory moment, and brides want their look to reflect that jubilation. Still other brides are leaning more minimalist in the face of that uncertainty, choosing a Little White Dress instead of a formal gown.
With outdoor venues being a hot commodity in 2021, weather is also a fashion consideration. Dresses are designed to be adaptable with detachable shrugs, cropped lace toppers, and capes to bring both warmth and drama. Beyond weather, gown details don’t shy away from making a statement. From off-the-shoulder balloon sleeves to high-low hemlines to oversized bows and ruffles, gowns are going big in 2021. Other details are more about the cut of the dress itself. Look for square necklines and backless styles in 2021.
DOWNTOWN HAMPTON INN & SUITES DOWNTOWN HAMPTON INN & SUITESExperience the heart of Amelia IslandExperience the heart of Amelia Island
Be front and center in the historic district
• Take a romantic sunrise stroll on the beach or a breathtaking sunset cruise on the river
• Relax with a quaint buggy ride through the historic district
• Walk to 50-plus restaurants, specialty shops, galleries, attractions and spa services • Enjoy special suites, spacious rooms, fireplaces and balconies • Take in spectacular views of the marina and river from our 2nd floor pool deck
As for the bridesmaids, mix and match is where it’s at, but brides will certainly still have a say in what’s being worn. Dresses range from less-formal looks to the opulence of luxury fabrics. Velvet is definitely having a moment. But whether laid-back or fancy, the goal is often to work in various different-butcoordinating cuts, colors, fabric types, and patterns to let the personality and beauty of each bridesmaid shine through. And after many seasons of neutral and blush wedding colors, brides are starting to amp up the color.
As brides get on board with color, so do the grooms. For the more daring fella, suits in sophisticated shades of blue, burgundy, brown, and green are taking the place of traditional black tuxedos. Shoes also reflect this colorful range. Further accessorizing with patterned shirts, ties, pocket squares, and socks lets the groom and groomsmen have some fun with their fashion, too.
THEMES: INTIMATE MADE INCREDIBLE
While the classic wedding is always in style, couples are thinking outside the box when it comes to their ceremony and reception this year. Brides and grooms are seeking out more open-air and outdoor venues, which affects the vibe overall. There’s also a trend toward more intimate events in 2021. Smaller guest counts mean more budget can be reserved for details that may otherwise have taken a back seat, such as elaborate floral design, unique rental furniture, and a highly-personalized guest experience.
Couples are pushing the boundaries of wedding decor, opting for bold colors and personalized touches that are a true reflection of both their relationship and family traditions. 2021 is about celebrating with those nearest and dearest, and doing so with the utmost thought, care, and attention to detail.
Congratulations
GENEVIEVE & ADAM
DECEMBER 4, 2021 CHRISTINE AUSTIN PHOTOGRAPHY
1.877.263.5428 • AmeliaHotel.com 1997 S Fletcher Ave. Fernandina Beach, Fl 32034
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Rustic-chic weddings are still common, but the trend is shifting to combine earthy-glam with a touch of edginess. You’ll see elements like crystal chandeliers and eclectic antique place settings juxtaposed with neon signs. As with dress trends, the overall look of wedding themes and decor in 2021 falls in the broad spectrum between going for broke and home-spun perfection.
FLOWERS: LUSH & LEAFY
The floral industry is experiencing a return to the botanical, cascading bridal bouquet and more saturated colors. Brides want flowers with a natural and undone feeling: lush, loose, and looking like they were just plucked from a garden.
Some brides are turning to exotic blooms, while others work with their florist for bouquets full of locally-gathered foliage. Sometimes, the flowers themselves are few. Some brides are opting for an abundance of greenery and branches instead.
To bring the drama, you’ll see canopies of leaves, vines, and blooms, hanging arrangements, and archways or wall-like backdrops trimmed with flowers for a beautiful photo op. These creative, pictureperfect backdrops are often seen at outdoor weddings. Florists work with nature to frame the “I dos” with something sensational. A floral installation might use an existing tree as a base, with blooms crawling up the trunk or elegant fabric sweeping from branch to branch. Man-made arches range from traditional curves to geometric angles.
FOOD & DRINK: TASTY FAVORITES
The traditional sit-down, three- or fivecourse meal is enjoying a sort of revolution. While you’ll still see these formal dinners at more traditional weddings, many brides and grooms are turning dinner into something more relaxed and social.
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The Nautilus Ballroom, graciously appointed, may accommodate up to 160 guests with complete food and beverage services. The Terrace adjoining the Ballroom is the perfect setting for your cocktail hour with sumptuous hors d’oeuvres. Additional reception rooms are available for your rehearsal dinner or farewell champagne breakfast.
Enjoy the miles of white sand beaches with our direct beach access and refresh in our aquamarine outdoor pool. Unwind with refreshments from our seasonal poolside tiki bar or dine in at our on-site restaurant, Santiago’s Florida Kitchen and Craft Bar, featuring fresh seafood and hand crafted cocktails. A complimentary Oceanfront Guestroom is yours for the night of your wedding with a block of guestrooms and reception.
Couples want their food and drinks to have meaning, so they’ll work with caterers to create custom meals and craft cocktails that feature some of their favorite things. Dinners that feature sustainable catering with locally-grown and in-season ingredients are also highly sought-after. These more casual farm-to-table dinners go hand-in-hand with family-style dining to foster a comfortable, homey environment.
When it comes to desserts, some couples choose to have both a classic wedding cake (it’s tradition!) along with non-traditional favorites, like donuts, ice cream or candy. As variety reins, a series of small wedding cakes also lends a fanciful touch full of many flavors. And just as food trucks are gaining popularity, so are dessert “trucks” like gelato carts and gourmet popsicle stands. Then there’s the late-night snack — a treat that many guests have almost come to expect nowadays. Couples can go for a crowd favorite like pizza or sliders, or offer a hometown specialty. Late-night snacks are not only yummy, they’re yet another opportunity for the bride and groom to get creative and show off their personality and style.
In all stages of the meal, couples are being increasingly conscious of food preferences and allergies. More and more people follow specialty diets nowadays, and if you aren’t one of them, odds are someone on your guest list lives a gluten-free, vegetarian, or vegan life. Whether due to health reasons or a lifestyle choice, it’s important to accommodate those guests. Luckily, wedding and event caterers are keeping up with the times, offering plenty of scrumptious meals to suit all palates.
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AT PONCE DE LEON’S FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH
St. Augustine’s Premier Special Event Destination.
Contact us today for a venue tour of the park. 904-342-8388 | foyevents@gmail.com
The Fountain of Youth sits right in the heart of the Oldest City, featuring 15 acres that overlook the Matanzas River and St. Augustine Inlet. Choose your ideal setting for your event with our stunning backdrops from our Peacock Garden, Founder’s Pier, The Love Tree, The Spanish Mission, and more.
The Magnolia Room is our 3,000 square foot enclosed, temperature controlled pavilion. With ceiling height windows all around, retractable bay doors open onto two patios, and are surrounded by lush lawns and beautiful landscaping. A caterer’s prep kitchen, private sitting room, and complementary on-site parking are added amenities.
